The oxygen sensor is a vital component of a car’s emissions system, communicating with the computer to regulate fuel delivery to the engine. It can fail periodically, and its expected lifespan depends on the car’s age and type of sensor. Keeping records of maintenance can help prevent problems and failed emissions tests.
An oxygen sensor is a necessary component of a car’s emissions system. All new cars and many older cars have electronic fuel injection systems, in which a computer regulates the amount of fuel delivered to the engine. The computer communicates with sensors throughout the system to determine how much fuel to deliver to the engine and how often.
Usually located in the exhaust manifold, one end of the oxygen sensor detects levels of unburned fuels in the exhaust stream, and the other end connects to wiring that transmits the information to the computer. The computer then uses the sensor readings to ensure the engine is receiving the correct amount of fuel. Too much or too little fuel will change the sensor readings, causing the computer to readjust the amounts of fuel being delivered to the engine.
An oxygen sensor will periodically fail. When the sensor malfunctions, important feedback on engine performance will be lost. As a result, the computer running the electronic fuel injection system will have no idea how much fuel to deliver to the engine.
Sometimes this sensor will have a mileage rating, indicating how long it is expected to last. There are several ways to find this information. A car owner’s manual or shop manual should state the expected life. If these books are not available, the dealer can look up the expected life of an oxygen sensor for a specific car. Many auto parts stores have the same information.
In general, the mileage an oxygen sensor should last depends on when it was made. On an older car, the non-heat sensor should last about 30,000 to 50,000 miles (about 48,280 to 80,467 km). A first generation heated sensor can be expected to last 60,000 miles (96,561 km) or more. For newer cars with a second generation heated sensor, it can last 100,000 miles (160,934 km).
Once the driver knows the mileage rating for the oxygen sensor in his car, it’s a good idea to keep records of when maintenance is performed; If the expert knows when the sensor was last replaced, he will know when it needs to be replaced again. Replacing the sensor regularly helps maintain the car’s gas mileage, prevents other car-related problems, and helps prevent failed emissions tests.
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